In the MIAA Division I South Sectional Semi-Final, the Walpole Volleyball season was put to an end against #2 seed, New Bedford. With this loss, Walpole Volleyball loses two key players and twins, seniors Abby and Kenzi Rae.

“Abby and Kenzi each exemplify the characteristics of a great leader on and off the court.  They are kind, accepting, positive and supportive, which helped all players feel valued and a part of the team,” head coach Lisa Cyr said. “They always put the team in front of themselves.”

On May 22, Abby verbally committed to play Division I volleyball for Bryant University, and on Nov. 15, she officially signed her National Letter of Intent. In her career for the Rebels, Abby had 911 kills and 1,033 digs. Abby reached the 1,000 dig mark in her Rebels career on Nov. 5 in the match against Bishop Feehan, setting a new record for most digs at Walpole High School.

Abby was a top outside-hitter for the Rebels, which helped lead them far in the state tournament this year.

“Abby worked extremely hard to push not only herself but her teammates to get better,” Kenzi said. “She played all the way around for our team, and everyone could rely on her to get the ball up off of hard kills when she was playing defense, or to rack up kills of her own when she was in the front row. I’m so proud of her on her big achievement.”

At the same time, Kenzi is a skilled setter, who recorded her 1,000th career set during her junior year and finished well over that mark with 1,772. In addition to her talent for setting, Kenzi also had 539 digs in her high school career. Different from her sister, Kenzi plans to play club volleyball in college.

Abby, alongside the rest of the team, admires her sister for her strong leadership and work ethic both on and off the court.

“Kenzi was very consistent and always made everyone look good. She led the team both on and off the court with her strong setting and serving as well as being a great captain,” Abby said. “Kenzi worked hard every practice and always gave her all in games. We would not have been the team we were without her.”

The third captain for the Rebels, senior Sawyer King, had been playing alongside the twins for her entire high school career.

“They both knew how to lead a team, and when you put their experience and knowledge together, it made the best duo you could ask for as a teammate,” King said. “Every time they were on the court, they did their best to put the team in a winning position.”

After winning the Herget title the past three years, the Rebels finished their regular season 17-3, earning the #3 seed in the Division I South tournament. The Rebels’ three losses were each in five sets. Making the state tournament, Walpole played the number six seed, Bishop Feehan, and won the sectional quarter finals game in just three sets. Next, the Rebels lost to New Bedford in a game that went five sets; the Rebels won the first two.

With the loss in the South Sectional Semi-Finals, the Raes concluded their Rebel Volleyball careers, which they have contributed leadership and skill to over the past four years.

“They lead by example by going full tilt all of the time, treating every drill in every practice as important. They set a high standard for the team and were invested in leading the team toward a common goal,” Cyr said. “Individually they make great leaders, and together they are even stronger. Their combined leadership, and with their ‘triplet,’ Sawyer King, has made for one of the strongest seasons for WHS volleyball and one of the most fun.”